If you don’t know me, and likely you might not because the internet is pretty big place, aside from loving travel and writing I’m also obsessed with musicals. When I was at the stage door for autographs from the cast of Promises Promises in New York City I decided to write this post on how to get autographs after a Broadway show, but these tips could be used for other types of shows, concerts, venues, etc. To make it easier I use the word performer in substitute for actor, musician, artist, dancer, etc.
- 1. Before you buy your tickets check where your seats are located. If available the venue website will have a seating chart. Look for something on the main floor, close to the aisle. If there is no assigned seating you may want to come earlier to get better seats.
- Be prepared. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes – I waited for over an hour to get Alice Ripley’s autograph after Next To Normal. Bring something for the performer to autograph like a Playbill, ticket stub, CD, etc. You can be more creative, but make sure it’s appropriate for where you are. You may also want to bring a felt pen in case the performer forget theirs, or it dries out – which happens.
- Arrive early enough to the show to know where the stage door is (usually around the side or at the back). Once your in your seat map out the route from where you are to the stage door. You don’t want to waste time going in the wrong direction. Don’t go out the fire/emergency only exit.
- Don’t eat or drink too much before/during the show. You don’t want to waste your time in the washroom while the autograph line gets bigger and bigger.
- Don’t be so distracted by the chance for an autograph that you forget to enjoy the show (or even pay attention to it) while it’s on. Stay for any curtain calls/encores, stand up and cheer at the end if was amazing. Don’t be the jerk who disturbs everyone so you can rush to the exit before the show is over.
- It could be chaotic. In Toronto the line for Rent autographs was pretty organized. Promises Promises was a lot more haphazard, with people spilling onto the street. You might have to be a bit pushy to get something signed, but don’t be violent, or rude. And listen to security – especially if they’re telling you to get back off the road.
- Performers are just people doing a job – even if they seem godlike to you. Don’t be offended if they won’t pose for a photo, or if they can’t sign autographs for everyone. If you’re lucky enough to get an autograph say thanks. If not just shake it off. Be polite. Feel free to tell the performers that you like the show, or that you’re a fan, but don’t monopolize everyone’s time, because there might be other people waiting for an autograph. Also don’t be a creepy creeper. Signed restraining orders do not count as autographs.
- If you’re just waiting for an autograph from specific performer be polite to the other performers that come by. I went to Toronto because actors from the original Broadway run of Rent were performing, and I was looking forward to getting autographs from them, but everyone in the cast did a fantastic job so I was happy getting autographs from the new cast too. I had the original cast sign my CD booklet, and the new cast sign the inside of the program. If you don’t want an autograph from someone step back and let another person get something autographed.
- Know there’s a chance a performer may not come out to sign autographs at all. It’s a risk you take while waiting in line, so decide if getting an autograph is worth it for you. If you get tired standing in line then it’s perfect fine to call it quits and leave. It’s your time, and yu can spend it how you want.
The crowd waiting for Kristen Chenoweth’s autograph after “Promises Promises.”
Finally here’s some advice of what not to do. When I was in standing in line for autographs from the Next To Normal cast a lady came by to get her Memphis Playbill signed. She had seen a different show, and walked up for autographs for a show she didn’t watch. The purpose (at least to me) of an autograph is to have a memento, something to remind you of the show you saw, and performance you enjoyed. Why would you get an autograph for a show and performance you didn’t see? Perhaps this lady was a big Brian D’arcy James fan (he was the Next To Normal cast member who signed her Memphis playbill. More likely she just wanted an autograph from an actor just to say she got an autograph from another show. It was tacky, and embarrassing to watch.
Whether you can an autograph or meet your childhood idol (like me) remember to enjoy the experience. Have fun, and make sure to remember what happened so you can tell your friends about it when you get home. Just don’t boast too much.
Is it best to get there for when the celebrity arrives at the
theater or leaves ?
When I saw shows in both Toronto and New York I got there when the celebrity was leaving. If you try to go when a celebrity is getting to the theatre it can be hard, because that celebrity might not arrive when you think they will. The celebrity might also not have time to take autographs before the show. They might need to get into hair and make right away, or maybe run through some technical things for the show (like a lighting change, etc). With major theatre the performers know there will be fans wanting autographs after the show, and for the shows I saw most were happy to stop by the stage door after the performance to sign autographs and/or take photos. Of course getting an autograph for a major headliner or celebrity can be hard, like when I saw Kristin Chenoweth in Promises Promises. There I got the Playbill signed, but I didn’t get a chance to say how much I enjoyed her performance, or her work, because the crowd was so large. With other shows the line was a little more subdued so I got a chance to talk to the performers and tell them how much I enjoyed the show. Hope that helps.
Hey, I’m going to New York next week to see a Broadway play called “Seminar” I heard it was fantastic, plus one of my favorite actors of all time is starring in it, Alan Rickman. What should I bring to have him sign? or is there something at the theater I could buy to have him sign? Thanks a lot for sharing this by the way, it was really helpful.I’ve been to plays before but I’ve never wanted to get an autograph until now.
Hi Amie thanks for the comment. The show might sell posters or coffee mugs or something you could buy to sign. But I’d probably suggest bringing a felt pen and the playbill (which you’ll get for free at the show) for Alan Rickman to sign. Good luck.
I think patience and more importantly getting there first is the key to getting autographs, putting it above everything else at the time.
I got a whole book full of autographs of when I went to Disney Land in 1996
Awesome with the Disneyland autographs. I always wondered how Mickey and the gang signed their names.
Patience is definitely a key factor. Getting in line first helps too.
Yeah I don’t travel with friends as much anymore because we usually get in arguments or don’t want to do the same things, but I would definitely go alone on a group tour again.
Group tours are always a nice option. You can hang out with other people if you want, or you can do your own thing.